Transcriptome profiling of subepithelial PDGFRα cells in colonic mucosa reveals several cell-selective markers

Subepithelial platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR alpha)(+) cells found in the colonic mucosal tissue come in close contact with epithelial cells, immune cells, neurons, capillaries, and lymphatic networks. Mucosal subepithelial PDGFR alpha(+) cells (MuP alpha C) are important regulators in various intestinal diseases including fibrosis and inflammation. However, the transcriptome of MuP alpha C has not yet been elucidated. Using Pdgfra-eGFP mice and flow cytometry, we isolated colonic MuP alpha C and obtained their transcriptome data. In analyzing the transcriptome, we identified three novel, and selectively expressed, markers (Adamdec1, Fin1, and Col6a4) found in MuP alpha C. In addition, we identified a unique set of MuP alpha C-enriched genetic signatures including groups of growth factors, transcription factors, gap junction proteins, extracellular proteins, receptors, cytokines, protein kinases, phosphatases, and peptidases. These selective groups of genetic signatures are linked to the unique cellular identity and function of MuP alpha C. Furthermore, we have added this MuP alpha C transcriptome data to our Smooth Muscle Genome Browser that contains the transcriptome data of jejunal and colonic smooth muscle cells (SMC), interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and smooth muscle resident PDGFR alpha(+) cells: (). This online resource provides a comprehensive reference of all currently known genetic transcripts expressed in primary MuP alpha C in the colon along with smooth muscle resident PDGFR alpha cells, SMC, and ICC in the murine colon and jejunum.

Automated summary

Researchers isolated MuPαC cells from colonic mucosal tissue, obtained their transcriptome data, identified selectively expressed markers and enriched genetic signatures, and added the data to an online resource for comprehensive reference of genetic transcripts of MuPαC and related cells in the mouse colon and jejunum.